UK mobile operators continue to invest and deliver good consumer outcomes, but face persistent challenges around monetisation and increased political pressure. Here we share views on what the Government should consider including in the new SSP.
Three/Vodafone: A pathway to approval
Despite identifying competition concerns, the CMA has outlined a set of remedies that could lead to approval of the merger. In doing so it would transform the UK’s mobile market while helping to deliver government ambitions for connectivity and economic growth.
Remedies in four-to-three mobile mergers
With renewed calls for in-market consolidation and pending transactions in two European countries, it is timely to revisit previous merger review decisions. We’ve analysed the commitments in four deals and considered the impacts they had on the market
UK: Support with the cost of living
The telecoms industry has been criticised for raising prices and not doing enough for those in financial hardship. Beyond providing social tariffs, we've identified £300m of initiatives operators have put in place at their own cost to help ease the pain
The international experience with in-contract price rises
A wave of price rises is coming to European telecoms, with many customers soon to face above-inflation increases in their monthly bills. What are these price rises based on, how much they are set to be, and how have they been implemented and communicated?
Three/Vodafone: What would be the chances of regulatory approval?
Past attempts at 4-to-3 mobile mergers indicate a high bar for approval. Though wholesale competition concerns could be overcome, the risk of price rises for consumers and mid-band spectrum holdings present more of a challenge to getting a deal through
Improving information on 5G coverage
5G is now available in 300+ locations of the UK. So far, only EE has fully explained how it defines a location as covered. Ofcom could play an important role in helping consumers assess coverage claims, much like its equivalent in South Korea does
£940m of support from UK telecoms operators during COVID-19
Having considered 50 of the initiatives UK telecoms operators put in place during the course of the pandemic so far, we estimate £940m of support has been made available – £340m of which have been to help the most vulnerable
Three UK’s road to 5G leadership
On 6 June 2018, Three UK held an analyst event focused on recent network developments, spectrum holdings and plans to launch 5G. While specific details around their 5G launch remain under-wraps, there’s a clear ambition to be a leader from the start. The recent acquisition of fixed wireless access broadband provider Relish, and success in the recent Ofcom auction have positioned Three well to extend their footprint and what can be achieved.
